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“A highly original blend of documentary and fiction techniques (and a worthy precursor to Kiarostami and Makhmalbaf's later experiments).” - Senses of Cinema Making his first venture into documentary, Shohei Imamura breaks ground with this Japanese social phenomenon where people vanish into anonymity, never to be seen again. An interviewer attempts to draw conclusions about the disappearance of a man two years ago by questioning his family and friends. At the core of the story is the man's fiancée who, in a strange twist, falls in love with the interviewer (actor Shigeru Tsuyuguchi, the rapist in Intentions of Murder). What follows is a coup de cinema that, to this day, remains unprecedented. “In this sly, provocative and puzzling film, Imamura muddies the boundaries and relishes the mess that results.” - Senses of Cinema
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D/P Shohei Imamura WS Japan Foundation L Japanese w/English subtitles TD 35mm/b&w/1967/130mins